Have you ever wished that house calls would make a comeback? For a long time, it was common for doctors to visit their patients at home. Nowadays, most medical appointments require going to the clinic in person. Most of us don’t want to go anywhere at all when we’re sick! That’s true for pets, too. However, while house calls are no longer a possible option for many people, they are gaining traction when it comes to pet care. House calls have been standard for larger animals for some times, but Fluffy and Fido are now getting on board as well. Quite a few veterinarians now offer mobile services. In fact, here at Petwise, we’re mobile only! A Clarkesville, GA veterinarian offers some insight on getting your pet prepared for their visitor in this article.
What Are The Biggest Benefits Of Veterinary House Calls?
House calls are popular with both our patients and their humans! Many folks have hectic schedules these days. If you’re juggling a lot of balls, having yourClarkesville, GA veterinarian come to you can make life a bit easier. You won’t have to spend time driving, dealing with traffic, or sitting in a waiting room. House calls are great for stay-at-home parents and those who work from home. They can also be particularly beneficial for anyone with mobility issues or transportation issues.
They are also often better for Fido and Fluffy! Most pets are definitely homebodies. Cats, for instance, can get very rattled just by being taken out of their kingdoms. For many kitties, the drive over to the animal clinic is more stressful than the appointment itself. And while Fido tends to be more enthusiastic about car rides than Fluffy, many pups do get carsick. It can also be difficult to get a large dog from one place to another, especially if he isn’t feeling well.
Home visits are also less stressful for pets. It’s easy to joke about how Fido and Fluffy hate going to the vet, but the truth is going into clinics can be unsettling for them. There are a lot of strange smells, faces, and sounds to take in. The scents of other pets, many of whom may be sick and/or scared themselves, is definitely enough to set dogs and cats on edge. While many veterinarians of course take steps to soothe and calm their patients, it’s probably safe to say that our patients would still prefer to be at home in their own domains. With house calls, your furry friend’s busy napping schedule will only briefly be interrupted.
How Do I Prepare My Pet For House calls?
Are you considering scheduling a house call? There are a few things you’ll want to do in preparation.
Here are our suggestions:
Get Necessary Paperwork Ready
If changing to a new veterinarian, have any documents or records they may need handy. Your new veterinarian may be able to get records from your prior clinic, but that’s not guaranteed. Have everything ready just in case. Doing this in advance can help the appointment go more quickly. (Tip: get designated folders to help keep things organized.)
Prepare The Area
Your veterinarian will need to be able to handle and examine your pet. Have an area ready for this. A table or counter is ideal for a cat or a small dog. Put a towel or plastic tablecloth down to catch any spills. For large dogs, the floor will do. If you have a horse, just make sure the area is relatively clean and easy to access,
Good lighting is important. If the spot doesn’t have sufficient lighting, grab an extra lamp or two from another room.
Scheduling The Appointment
We always suggest scheduling the appointment so that you have a bit of a cushion around it. If the appointment takes longer than planned, you won’t have to worry about cutting into your next engagement.
Distractions
Try to limit distractions, such as phone calls, televisions in the background. If you have little children, give them something to occupy themselves with during the appointment.
Provide Relevant Information
You may need to provide certain information to your veterinarian. For instance, if you have assigned parking, be clear about where they can and cannot park. If your home is in a gated community, your veterinarian may need an entry code or their name added to a list. If GPS gets a bit wonky in your area, provide visual directions as well.
Wifi access can also be helpful. Your Clarkesville, GA veterinarian may need it to process records, billing statements, and other documentation. We can often use a cell phone, but this can be an issue if the signal is dodgy. We understand that many people may not want to share their passwords, which is understandable. Consider setting up a guest account. That way, you can always lock or delete it later.
Corral Your Pets
Even if your pet is usually pretty friendly with strangers, they may want to retreat to a quiet spot once they realize they’re the center of attention. You don’t want to waste time trying to get your cat out from under the bed! Bring Fido or Fluffy into an area where they won’t be able to slip away. A small bathroom or utility room may work. Close bedroom and bathroom doors, and block accesses to popular hiding spots, such as the areas behind or beneath couches.
If you have horses, you’ll need to literally corral them. We actually recommend having Silver brushed and haltered. Be prepared to put him in cross-ties. If you need a helper, have them ready and on hand as well.
Tire Your Furry Pal Out
Pets are always calmer after they’ve burned off their zoomies. Take a few minutes to play with your furry friend and help them burn off their excess energy. For horses, it may be best if they’ve been ridden or turned out before hand, though they should be clean and cooled down for their appointment.
Make The Most Of It
One great thing about house calls is that there are no distractions from the office or other patients. Home visits are also often more casual than office visits. Your veterinarian may spot something that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, such as a poisonous plant or a toy that may not be safe. Those observations can spark very insightful conversations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
House Calls For End Of Life Care
One area where house calls are becoming quite widespread is with end of life care. While nothing will really make saying goodbye to a beloved friend easier, many people appreciate the dignity and comfort that in-home euthanasia provides. Your pet will peacefully fall asleep, without any undue stress or fear. Many find that, while this is quite difficult, it can also be a powerful and even beautiful experience. This is in many ways, and in many situations, the best thing you can do for your furry friend after a lifetime of love and loyalty. You may also find it easier to prepare if you have a date in mind. This allows you to give your beloved the best last day ever.
Conclusion: Veterinary House calls are becoming more and more popular. They offer many benefits for both pets and people.
Are you interested in scheduling a veterinary house call? Contact us, your local Clarkesville, GA pet hospital, anytime.
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